I had the masseuse, Arlyn. I would recommend him to everyone, including my friends. Allen is attentive to your needs and really puts in effort in the 30 minutes or an hour that you pay for. Price is $70/hr, and he will ask for what your needs/goals are. Allen noted that I had a lot of tightness and massaged them out for me. He went in HARD, the pressure was insane. Not painful, but it definitely helped me with me knots. Afterwards I felt really refreshed. I would come back again, fosho read more

Just checked out and had a "prenatal" massage with ARLYN (he's a Male massage therapist) and my fiance had his with Joe. I can't speak for my fiance but he walked out feeling the benefits of the sports massage. (IMO: My fiance lifts weight 4x/wk so he definitely needed someone with strength working on him!) My prenatal massage may not have been the routine prenatal massage you'd get at any posh place that would smell like lavender and offer you a foot soak with rose pedals before you come in. I am a hygienist that has been working a desk job and 16 weeks pregnant. So walking in I told them I am uncomfortable in certain places and reported that I clench my teeth and do get numb in my right shoulder. I asked ARLYN for an areas-specific message and he addressed it and is super effective at finding and relieving knots. I read in other reviews (Yelp and groupon) not to come here expecting a typical "massage." Which they were spot on. But that's ok. If you are like me and experience aches and tightness in places no other massages were able to get out.... come here to get fixed! read more

I'm on a massage hunt of the Greater Boston area. I am a massage snob and looking for the perfect place. :) I'm an athlete, fitness professional, personal trainer and all around an active person so I'm always sore and tight. I saw this place on Groupon and called same day and was able to get within an hour. Joe was the one that I got! This was not the typical massage that I have gotten which is generally deep tissue style work with long deep strokes, but Joe does a combination of different bodywork techniques that he has learned from (4 masters he said), but also he did what I think is more mobility work that felt very sports massage-like. He's the type that stretch and massage you at the same time. He also was able to pinpoint the area of my back that hurt immediately. He was very knowledgeable! There is one technique that he used that I've never had anyone use before, which felt like someone kinda massaging/pressing and pulling under the shoulder blades (or was it my back) at the same time...can't even explain it but I was like WHOA great since no one has ever done that before (and I get an embarrassingly amount of massages). He also is very talkative and friendly, which I love. He offered a second time for $60 for an hour massage (usually they are $75) so I will probably take him up on it again. read more

I've been suffering from neck, back, and shoulder pains throughout the pandemic due to extra stress and lack of movement while working from home. Arlyn was very knowledgeable and easily able to identify where I had knots and pain. He gave me advice for posture, stretches, and movements that can help me heal physically and energetically. Arlyn was talkative, but it worked for me because I was not there in search of a spa day experience, but instead looked to heal some of my chronic pain and talk about it. I really appreciated that he was able to use multiple different massage techniques to treat me. Athough I went in with uncomfortable muscular pain, the massage was very soothing. Will be back again soon! read more

This man is a horrible person. I called what was supposed to be a store number for an appointment because my inquiry was never responded to and then to be called a scammer. He was very rude said i had no manners and courtesy when he cut my sentence off and hung up on me. I work all day and am a single mother of 3 looking to get some relief but i get yelled at for calling at 11pm to a store number to leave a message. He texts me with the "store number". If i could give him no stars i would. I can not believe a business of healing can put more stress on clients. Im glad people that had a great time did but he is honestly a bad person to do business with. I hope you consider not going to this rude place because i hope NO ONE has to experience what i went through with this man. read more

This place is a hidden gem on Holmes Street. I'm around the area a lot and never knew there was a massage center there. My friend and I bought a groupon to get a massage here because of all the good reviews from Yelp and I am so glad we did. I always thought massages were all spa-like and relaxing until now. I have lower back pain and shoulder pain from sitting in an office setting 8 hours a day and Joe was able to relieve the pain in the hour long massage. Joe uses a lot of pressure to pin point the problem areas and it felt so much better than a spa-like massage. Joe said 2 things - 1. "No pain, no gain" and 2. "this is more like a treatment center not a spa". Both of which are true. I recommended Life Energy Massage to my friend that has a lot of back issues as well and told my other friend not to bother because she won't be able to handle the pain. I have only good things to say about this place and you know it's good when I'm cheap and would still go back even without a groupon deal! read more

Arlyn is so good. Many people in my family go to him. If you have a sore or stiff issue he will go to work on it and get it right. I can't believe how strong he is or how well he pinpoints the exact spot and fixes things. I always come out of there feeling a whole lot better and that my time and money were well spent. read more

My experience with Joe at Life Energy Massage dates back to January 2014 with a Groupon I was gifted for five 1-hr massages. I've been visiting and working with Joe ever since. As a warning, if you are looking for a soothingly, soft massage this is not for you. If you are looking for someone to actually help with posture and alignment then Joe is your guy. In 2014, I was experiencing pinched nerve issues in my upper back and acupuncture/yoga was not improving it. After two visits with Joe my pain and discomfort went away. I'm a naturally tense and tight muscled woman, and have a high pain tolerance. Combining these results in very knotty muscles. Over the past year, Joe has successfully loosened my back up and whittled away at the many knots I have. I will continue to see him as long as I am in Boston. He moved his practice from Downtown Crossing to Quincy in October 2014. Since Quincy is out of the way for some, he will travel to your home at any time during the day for convenience and work schedule accommodation. I highly recommend Joe for a couple of reasons: his passion for helping fix problems and ailments is evident; the amount of targeted intense pressure he uses to loosen and mobilize deep, tight muscles is perfect; and finally he strives to make you feel comfortable by using heat, aromatherapy, and soothing music/sounds. read more

The most THERAPEUTIC massage ever. Joe can actually fix your problems and ailments. Unlike most masseuses who hardly use any pressure for temporary relaxation without DOING anything, Joe uses the proper amount of deep intense pressure to loosen and mobilize tight muscles. I came in with chronic patellar tendonitis (5 months) from basketball, and after 1 hour with Joe, my knee was pain-free at full flexion/extension and range-of-motion! Seems like the tendonitis was due to overtight quadriceps and calves. As someone who's tried many (20-25) masseuses since 2009 via Groupon and LivingSocial, I haven't been to anyone else since going to Joe in 2013. Since then, I've recommended classmates and colleagues to Joe, and they've all said the same things. "ALL MY KNOTS are GONE!" "This guy is amazing!" Please take note of the new location in North Quincy as of 10/1/2014. Less than 5 minutes from Red Line MBTA. read more

I had a pinch in my spine for over three years. I tried acupuncture and chiropractic work that sometimes fixes it for no more than a day. Decided to get cupping done. This place solved my back problem in one hour. Tom knee what he was doing and knew my high pain tolerance and went ham! It feels good to have my 16 year old back again so I can flip, train, and do acrobatic work! read more

After seeing all the great reviews on yelp, I decided to purchase a groupon that was being offered for two 1-hour accupressure massages to see what the rave was all about. I came in on a Monday night after scheduling with Joe the week before (he get's busy so schedule in advance!). When I came in for my appointment, the person at the desk seemed a little surprised to see me so I explained to him that I had a 5:30 pm appointment with Joe. Turns out that Joe wasn't at the place and that he had left to go have lunch with a friend a little earlier and was on his way back. No biggie, I wasn't in a rush and I said I would wait. The person at the desk did offer to start my massage for me until Joe came back but I kindly declined. ~20 minutes later Joe arrives and is immediately apologetic. He explains to me that he doesn't know why but he had me down for a 6:30 pm appointment. Hey, people make mistakes so I wasn't going to fault him for something as small as that. From the beginning I could tell that this wasn't like the usual deep tissue massages that I've had in the past. Joe pointed out a few trouble areas that I was having some pain and discomfort with that I hadn't mentioned before. There was this neck stretching thing that I wasn't too keen on but after he was done and when I stood up, I definitely felt taller. lol He also introduced a belly massage that I honestly thought was odd at first but in the end it was strangely relaxing? All in all I enjoyed the experience and have my next appointment scheduled! read more

Don't waste your money or time going anywhere else but here with Joe, especially if you're in pain. He's very thorough and really tries to relieve tension and pressure. He assesses your body and pain at every visit. He'll even get on the table if he needs to in order to get a spot really well. You will leave knowing your muscles got the best treatment they could. It doesn't have a luxurious or peaceful atmosphere but damn it feels good. read more

This is my 1st time writing a review because Joe is someone worth writing for. I found this place through groupon. I have always had back, and shoulder pain for years. Specially my shoulder blade, every time i work out or lift something heavy, its so painful it feels like someone is constantly stabbing me. I tried many different massages like tuina, Swedish, deep tissue, ect. It feels great for a few days then the pain starts coming back again until i came to Joe. Five minutes in to the section, he already knew the cause of my problems. He also knew there was something wrong with my endocrine system and i told him i don't sweat. He told me he could fix it. Joe uses the technique acupressure to pin point the source of pain, the knots in my back and shoulder and constantly applying pressure to the knot to minimize it so the pain would go away. WARNING, if you are looking for a soothing massage, Joe is not the person to go to. But if you want someone to actually help to get rid of the cause of your problems, then Joe is your guy. He truly wants to help you get better and if Quincy is a problem location, he also does home visits. Joe said 5 sections will get rid of my problems because i am young and i heal faster. I saw him once a week and i had finished my last section last week. all the knots in my back that i did not even know existed were gone. I tried cupping for the first time and i did it for 4 sections. If you do not know what cupping is you can google it for a fuller explanation or ask Joe about it. It was painful due to a deep cause of pain in my shoulder blade and my back looks horrible but i can see myself getting better. Each section, the color gets lighter, my shoulders were getting lighter. It took like 4 sections to totally get rid of my shoulder blade pain but Joe's techniques truly works. His knowledge about the human body and the actually cause of the pain is remarkable. i have referred friends to see him too. Joe is the guy that will find your source of pain and help you heal. He is nicest and easy going person to talk to. He knew that i was a student who doesn't have a job, he gave me and my friend student discounts and refused to accept tips from us. He became the only massage therapist i will go to from now on. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND JOE. read more

Wow. I don't know if I can adequately express how great I feel after seeing Arlyn. If you are looking for a spa like massage, go somewhere else. If you are looking for all your knots and issues worked out, come here, as soon as possible. Yes, he talks a bit but what he does to your body is worth it. I have so many knots and issues and he pinpointed each one and I feel great. I used a Groupon that was a gift. It was my first time so I haven't seen Joe, who apparently is great but Arlyn did an amazing job. I will go back again and again. read more

I started going to Life Energy Massage about a year ago after I got a Groupon for a massage. The massage was fantastic, focused on my extremely tense shoulders through a mix of acupressure, massage, and stretching. It was recommended to me that I should try the cupping therapy also offered as I get frequent migraines and they are often due to my shoulder tension. The cupping is great! It looks scarier than it is and the entire time Joe asks if you are comfortable and doing okay. If you want to get the cupping done, remember you'll have the circle marks so keep in mind your schedule - if you have any weddings or events to attend you may want to schedule around those so you don't have big hickeys on your back! Highly recommend, helps manage my chronic back pain and migraines. Never leaves me sore or stiff like other massages I have had and they are always super friendly. read more

My back was killing me so I thought a massage would help. Coming to Life Energy was a great decision. Tac (sp?) worked on my back and really diminished the pain. I went back a 2nd time and it was even better. This is acupressure massage so don't expect the Swedish type. It's very restorative. I highly recommend a visit. read more

Very happy with the results. I was in ver bad shape walking in and felt so much better when they finished.

Life Energy Massage is the best! I have seen Arlyn many times and he always helps me so much. He is very knowledgable and I always leave there feeling better and I sleep so much sounder. I couldn't say enough good things about this place. You will not regret coming here! read more

My family goes to Joe for cupping and a massage whenever we have a bad cold, bronchitis, flu, pneumonia. His treatment is excellent!!! You need to spend a couple of days in bed after cupping if you are really sick, but you get well afterwards. I couldn't shake off a really bad cold for 3 months a couple winters ago and it was wearing me down. When I found that Joe does cupping, my life changed. I go for cupping and get well very fast. It gets the chill out of your body. I had cupping many times in my life outside U.S. and I swear by it. Good for pains and aches too. And Joe's treatment is very thorough. Joe is great. I highly recommend him. read more

Absolutely amazing! I have suffered from neck pain for many years with little relief from physical therapy, massage therapy, muscle relaxants etc. After two sessions of acupressure with cupping I am a new person. I have also struggled with insomnia for decades and since I started this therapy can honestly say I am sleeping great! The staff are very friendly,willing to help and very knowledgeable in their practice. Joe was able to pinpoint my issues immediately and his recommendations for treatment are reasonable and affordable. I wish I could give him ten stars! read more

Joe is very sweet, knowledgable and actually cares about helping you feel better. If you have a serious muscle problem you need help with go to him! read more

Joe is amazing! I've been to so many massage places due to my back injury 3 years ago and no one can compare to him. He is very good at what he does. He has helped me manage my chronic pain. My back used to hurt if I stand for 20 minutes now I can stand for an hour. And I can use the elliptical for at least 30 minutes. Joe is the man! read more

Unbelievable massage by Joe! This is not for someone who wants oils rubbed on them and a relaxing, light massage. Parking was a little tough & it doesnt look fabcy from the outside, but the massage room was nice and relaxing with a heated bed. Joe asked about any pain I'm having and that's what he worked on the whole time. My pain is in my neck and back so that's mostly what he focused on and didn't really go deep into my legs which I was fine with. He knows what he's doing and I immediately felt my chronic pain going away. Ladies, don't wear any makeup! He massaged my face a little bit at the end. Most of the massage was over the sheet and he did not put any oils on my skin besides at the end when he got into my neck. I've had a ton of massages and I could tell that Joe specializes in treating pain! Such a nice guy and I'll definitely be back for more. read more

AHHH!!! If you want a masseuse that knows your muscles and bones better than you do, this is the place. I've seen Joe Chan about once a month for deep tissue massages ever since February 2013. His therapy is different than any other massage I've had, the stress relief and relaxation lasts for days. It may be a bit of a trek to go to North Quincy, but it is worth it. Plus the location is two little blocks from the station. read more

I received an accupressure massage via Groupon this past Saturday and I cannot say enough about this place!! I have a chronic back condition which causes extreme tightness in my muscles which leads to headaches, stiffness and general misery which is why I went. on top of that, I was sick for over a week with flu and cold like symptoms. Joe and his staff are UNBELIEVABLE at knowing what to do and relieving pain you did not know you even had. After taking medication for being sick and not feeling remotely better, I spent Sunday in the throes of what I thought was an allergy attack. Turns out, it was my system draining as a result of the lymphatic massage I was given and I woke up today feeling fantastic and had the best sleep of my life! DO NOT GO ANYWHERE ELSE... you will feel like a whole new person. read more

Absolutely Fantastic! Joe is excellent at what he does.

After experiencing many types of massages at several different places, I've found one that works for me. Do not prejudge...the place looked a little suspect but then all I saw was happy clients coming out. He did an Amazing job at identifying tension points that alleviated pain in my areas of concern. A++ read more

JOE! He is 5 stars for a reason. I tried a lot of places looking for the one massager who can help me with my tight muscle (due to stress). Finally end up with Joe, and continue to come here once a month. I must warn you, this is NOT relaxation type of massage where the massager rub you to sleep for an hour. You come here because you have back pain or any muscles pain. In my case, I came here because My job requires me to sit on front of a computer screen 8 hours a day. He said my muscle is tight due to stress, especially my neck. The massage is intense, but after that my body is light like walking in the air. I said I tried few places before Joe, and my body is usually sore the next day. With JOE, nope. He gives me a very intense massage, but no muscle sore the next day. It took me more than an hour to drive to his place. WORTH IT! read more

Arlyn was informative and focused on troubled spots after doing a full assessment. I heard of this amazing spot via Groupon and it was worth it! I left feeling revitalized and looking forward to my next appointment. read more

Joe was amazing! My back and neck felt so great after my massage. He was so professional and friendly, already made my next appointment : )

My sister recommended me to Joe after she bought a groupon (2 for $70). He really focuses on the problem areas (neck and shoulders for me) and cares about your recovery. He's super friendly as well, always making sure we are well hydrated after! Once he even let me take a nap for an hour after he was done while he massaged my sister. I get massages pretty frequently in NYC. This is the best massage I've ever had - highly recommend Joe. read more

I practiced massage professionally for 5 years and can tell you in all honesty that Arlyn gives the best massage I have ever had!!! If you want a massage that actually gets at your issues (not a fluff & buff where they just smoothe oil on you), trust me, this is the place for you. It is not so pretty, the outside (and inside for that matter) are not too appealing and you can hear everything going on in the next room. If you're a fancy pants looking for a sophisticated spa, this place is not for you. However, if you're looking for a great massage, they are absolutely incredible. They really know what they're doing! They will listen to what's bothering you and will take the time to address all of your issues. They are very friendly and very highly skilled in many different techniques. I went for my first time on a Groupon, and just went back for my second visit. This is my new go-to spot. You're wasting your money going anywhere else. read more

I felt this place's service is great. My wedding is coming soon, it is a great place to loose weight without even exercising, but only through getting massages to relax muscle. Lol They are professional, and my tired neck got much better after getting services, so I decided to go every other week! read more

This is the first time I write a review and I think that Joe is amazing. I have tried other massages where they literally just "rub" your back - that doesnt do anything. Here, Joe really has skilled hands. His fingers press down at the points that truely relax my shoulders and lower back. My entire back was stiff and now feels much better - one hour! My husband likes the stretch too and he is impressed that the therapist knows which part of his back is sore without notifying him before hand. I came in with a groupon, but felt no discount at the service at all in terms of quality. That tells me a lot about the integrity of the place. The environment might not look like the typical spa kind of set up but kind of small and cramped. Dont be scared of the look, putting yourself in the right hand is the way to go. Parking wise, 101 Holmes st is hidden in the same building as 93 Holmes st. There is no parking lot or garage, but there were plenty of spaces for 3-hr street parking. read more

I have been battling with cancer. I'm also a college professor, and spend so much time at my computer. I was in so much pain. I signed up for a monthly membership at another spa and went to different spas using groupon. I finally found Joe and my life has been changed forever. I now don't have that nagging pain, and can tolerate chemotherapy much better. I also can focus more on my teaching. His acupressure and cupping are amazing. Joe could tell where your pain and your problems are. He's so gifted, and I'm very thankful to have him as my therapist. I now cancelled my membership at another spa. Thanks Joe for saving my life. read more

Ask for Joe. I got a Groupon for a massage here and after reading all of the amazing reviews on Yelp, I was really excited to get some relief. I didn't realize the person I scheduled the appointment with was not Joe until I arrived. The massage was fine, mostly over a sheet and working on my painful lower back. We didn't do any other spots because of time constraints and how bad my low back was. It was not very relaxing as the gentleman talked the entire time. He was sure he could fix me so he talked me into a second appointment at a greatly reduced price, but I regret returning. Again, he talked the entire time, even after I kindly told him I didn't want to discuss many of the topics he covered while I was trying to relax (Syria, Politics and about other clients). Additionally, I feel like he had no idea what he was doing. He worked the same spot over and over again (during a 90min massage) and asked me if I wanted him to work on the other side of my back....uhhh, yes. Occasionally he rubbed baby oil on my skin, but I would not consider it a massage at all. I would like to see this guys license for massage therapy. I honestly couldn't wait for it to be over and I wanted to jump off the table after about 30 mins. At the end, he "stretched" my legs and hips and was not mindful at all of me being covered with the sheet, my lower half was fully exposed. I was clutching the top of the sheet for dear life so I didn't expose myself more. I left feeling dirty and a little taken advantage of and will not be returning. Based on the other reviews, definitely ask for JOE if you are going to come here. read more

Hidden jewel. If you want skilled hands and help with sore muscles or just need to relax go here. I recommend Arlyn.

Joe was AMAZING! With the clocks moving forward I totally forgot my appointment was initionally going to be an hour earlier and he was totally understandable, and able to move my appointment to an hour later. The massage itself was just mind blowing. He takes his time and really does address the points you talk about during your body assessment before the massage. If you're someone who values quality over quantity as far as location and interior design these little bits won't bother you once you're getting your massage. I will definitely be returning and making this a daily ritual thanks to Joe. Definitely check him out, you won't be disappointed (: read more

Joe is " The Man" when it comes to therapeutic massage. In all of my 60 plus years he is only the 2nd person to diagnose my mild scoliosis. My Ortho Doc with the help of an x-ray is the other person. He will go as deep as you can take it in order to loosen muscles that have been tight for decades. I have had 4 treatments so far and I am feeling good. I will go weekly until Joe says we can go out longer in between sessions. read more

I have been going to Joe for treatment of shoulder/neck and back pain. Joe is an awesome therapist. He's very friendly and truly care about his clients. Highly recommend Joe! read more